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Wisconsin Badgers top wide receiver earns spot at Senior Bowl despite down season

Vinny Anthony made the most of his opportunities in 2025, now he'll have the chance to prove himself in front of NFL scouts
Cam Wilhorn|
Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of their game against Illinois Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of their game against Illinois Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin | Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The quarterback position was a clear failure in 2025. Between injuries and substandard play, Wisconsin didn't have a single player hit 700 passing yards, and as a team, they ranked 130th of 134 FBS teams in passing yards per game.

As a result, the Badgers pass catching corps had a severely underwhelming season from a statistical standpoint.

Vinny Anthony was fresh off a breakout 2024 season and seemingly slated to star in a new-look Badgers offense in 2025, but he couldn't overcome the deflated pass-game numbers.

Still, his talent shined through enough to earn an invitation to the Panini Senior Bowl.

Vinny Anthony headed to Senior Bowl despite letdown 2025 season

Anthony wasn't able to duplicate his 39 receptions and 672 receiving yards from 2024, but he still maintained his role as one of Wisconsin's most impressive playmakers.

Related: Wisconsin wide receivers taking unselfish approach to Badgers passing struggles

He caught 31 passes for 391 yards and a touchdown while also adding 27 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also served as Wisconsin's top kick returner, and his 27.9 yards per return ranked fifth in the country. He had one kick return touchdown.

His efficiency and ability to produce in a subpar offense awarded him a spot at the Senior Bowl, which is arguably college football's most prestigious all-star game. It's the longest continually running all-star game in football and has featured some of the NFL's biggest stars.

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Anthony will have the opportunity to test his mettle against some of the best NFL prospects in the 2026 class in a practice setting before playing in the all-star game itself Jan. 31.

NFL scouts and executives will be watching throughout the whole week.

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Cam Wilhorn
CAM WILHORN

Cam Wilhorn is a University of Wisconsin School of Journalism Graduate and Wisconsin native. He's been covering Wisconsin sports since 2023 for outlets like BadgerBlitz.com, Badger of Honor and The Badger Herald.

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